First off, I think that is way too much money for a SX-500 .I own a SM-500 ( almost the same machine except it has an lpt port instead of the built in printer). In fact mine uses the sx-500 software.
Now dont get me wrong, it’s a fine machine.I love the presets built in and use them alot! But I also paid $300 for it, and another $300 for a memory card.That’s a far cry from $3400.
If you are learning, I also would not be stuck on “just an Apilus” either. There are TONS of great machines out there.You will only get limited use out of the computerized routines.They are a great starting point, but just that, a starting point.
Most pro’s who go all out and get an Apilus are going for the platinum and platinum pure these days. The reason is that these machines have a couple modes that are a clear advantage. The first being they ae 27 mhz machines and feel differently from the 13.56 mhz you see in the sm500, sx-500, junior, senior and senior II.The second reason they go for these machines is a modulation known as “picoflash” which seems to work extremely well on certain hair types.
Where I seem to have luck finding machines is on used sites like kijiji.ca in canada. Craigslist also seem to have the odd machine.Generally these are better priced than your site. Now in my case I found the most machines in Quebec, which put a couple roadblocks in the way , I couldnt deal directly in most cases and had to have it shipped, and most of these people speak french. I used google translate, and on the machine I did buy travelled to Montreal in order to deal direct.
If you are learning, and starting out, I wouldnt go all out ona $3500 Apilus. Locally I can regularly pick up a nice silouet-tone in the area of $300-$500. There is NOTHING wrong with these machines and they are excellent professional quality machines. You wont be ready to work with modes like pico-flash for quite a while ( if ever) so it’s definitely not worth paying $3000 more for something you arent going to be able to do anyway.
As a side note, mine came without a manual as well. when I ordered the card from Dectro, they threw the manual in free. They regularly charge $8 for it., but either way you can order the manual from Dectro for an apilus, or from silouet tone for those machines.
Here’s an example of a deal I found on Kijiji;
http://qc.kijiji.ca/c-acheter-et-vendre-sante-besoins-speciaux-Ensemble-Electrolyse-Complet-W0QQAdIdZ554431971
If you speak french, and are able to travel and deal direct, that’s a fine looking machine.
Seana
